Help Bruce Battle Cancer

"Take Care of Each Other"
Bruce McDonald learned the importance of taking care of others from his parents, and has displayed this throughout his life both personally and professionally. I know Bruce as a co-worker, but more importantly as a friend. He is a beloved family man who spent thirty years on the police force serving his community. All who know Bruce, can say without hesitation, he is truly one of a kind. 

Now, Bruce finds himself in the not so familiar position of having to reach out to others to help take care of him. I write on behalf of Bruce and his family, in hopes to gain the support they need and deserve.

Bruce was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer on his 61st birthday in October of 2017 that had metastasized to his liver and lungs. Quite a blow, but not a knock-out punch for this brave man, who also survived a brain hemorrhage twenty-five years ago. Unfortunately, Bruce’s cancer is too far advanced for surgery. Doctors stated that without chemotherapy, which would cause devastating side effects and ultimately fail to cure him, he only had 4-6 months to live. Breaking from mainstream medicine, Bruce made the difficult decision not to go forward with chemotherapy. This, in turn, has brought Bruce down a path less traveled.

After careful consideration and research, Bruce and his wife were able to find a naturopathic oncologist in December. Unlike the negatives that many have grown to associate with “unconventional” cancer treatment, Bruce’s oncologist focuses on an individualized research based approach. This integrative treatment works to support Bruce’s immune and organ system to fight the specific type of cancer in his body and help him feel better.  

While being primarily treated by his naturopathic oncologist, Bruce continues to be followed by an oncologist at Dana Farber. Despite what doctors expected, his latest set of labs from February show no change or deterioration from his initial labs in October. After two months of naturopathic treatment, Bruce is not in pain and his labs prove that he is stable.

However, health insurance will not cover the cost of this treatment. The out of pocket cost has simply become too big of a burden to manage. Bruce paid for the first month of treatment, and his sister generously paid for the second. Now, he finds himself in a difficult place where he can no longer afford the treatment that he so desperately needs. Without additional funds, Bruce won't be able to continue his treatment. 

Please help us take care of the man who lives by the value of making sure to take care of others as he undergoes the most difficult challenge of his life.

With deepest thanks and gratitude.